Types of Labret Piercing

While most people are enhanced by the mysterious appeal of labret piercing and the bold statement it portrays, only a handful of people are acquainted with the different types of labret piercings and how they complement the contours of their face.

No matter which style you opt for, labret piercings can greatly vamp up your style and render uniqueness to your persona. However, knowing each type would help you take a better decision. Let’s take a look at the different types of labret piercings, what kind of jewelry complements each type, and what differentiates them:

Standard (Horizontal) Labret Piercings The most standard form of labret piercing is located directly beneath the center of your lower lip. The hole is located horizontally, roughly 1/4″-1/2″ beneath the lower lip. Some people opt to flaunt labret studs, but there are plethoras of striking jewelry pieces you can adorn your labret piercing with. You can go for a labret lip loop, or you can greatly define your style with a snug-fitting hoop, like a seamless ring or a segment.

For people who get their labret piercings stretched, there are myriad plugs and tunnels that they can use instead of lip loops or labret studs. The vibrant range of glass plugs makes you look especially attractive. All the pieces are diligently crafted to provide utmost comfort without damaging the delicate tissues. Just keep in mind that stretching labret piercing is a slow and deliberate process, and should be done by a credible expert who knows what he’s doing.

Vertical Labret Piercings Unlike traditional labret piercings, that run straight through the skin below the lower lip, in vertical labret piercings, the stud goes up through the lip from bottom to top, so that the top jewel of the piece sits on top of your lower lip. Short straight barbells are usually used for vertical labret piercings. Your starter barbell should have some extra length to accommodate any discomfort or swelling that happens in the first few days of healing. If the jewelry is too tight, it can cause bruising around the pierced area. If the barbell keeps pressing your swollen lip for a protracted period, the bruising can exacerbate, eventually leading to necrosis (tissue death) or even fatal infection. Even if your barbell feels a little tighter than it should, you should get it swapped for longer pieces as soon as possible. Once your swelling subsides and the wound is healed, you can replace the starter barbell with one that fits more accurately to the contours of your face.